1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Because - So they said: but they could not answer him.
McArther Bible Commentary
A new participant, who had been there all along with the other three (Job 32:3-5), entered the debate over Job's condition. This was the younger Elihu, who took a new approach to the issue of Job's suffering. Angry with the other three, he had some new thoughts, but was very hard on Job. Elihu was full of self-importance and verbose, but his approach was refreshing after listening repetitiously to the others; actually, he was not really helpful to Job. Why was it necessary to record and read these four blustering speeches by this man? Because they happened as part of the story, while Job was still waiting for God to disclose Himself (chs. 38-41).
Bible Cross References
Job 10:7 Job 13:18 Job 27:5 Job 27:6 Job 31:6

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The Buzite - Of the posterity of Buz, Nahor's son, (Genesis 22:21) . Ram - Or, of Aram; for Ram and Aram are used promiscuously; compare (2 Kings 8:28) ; (2 Chronicles 22:5) . His pedigree is thus particularly described, partly for his honour, as being both a wise and good man, and principally to evidence the truth of this history. He justified - Himself not without reflection upon God, as dealing severely with him, he took more care to maintain his own innocency, than God's glory. The word Elihu signifies, my God is he. They had all tried in vain to convince Job: but my God is he who both can and will do it.
McArther Bible Commentary
Buzite. Elihu's ancestry was traced to the Arabian tribe of Buz (cf. Jer 25:23). The "family of Ram" is unknown.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 22:21 Job 27:5 Job 27:6 Job 30:21 Job 32:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
No answer - To Job's arguments as to the main cause. Condemned - As a bad man.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:2 Job 32:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
'Till Job - And his three friends.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:3 Job 32:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elihu is displeased at the dispute between Job and his friends.
Job's friends were silenced, but not convinced. Others had been present. Elihu was justly displeased with Job, as more anxious to clear his own character than the justice and goodness of God. Elihu was displeased with Job's friends because they had not been candid to Job. Seldom is a quarrel begun, more seldom is a quarrel carried on, in which there are not faults on both sides. Those that seek for truth, must not reject what is true and good on either side, nor approve or defend what is wrong.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:4 Job 32:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Afraid - Of being thought forward and presumptuous.
McArther Bible Commentary
He may have called it "opinion" (Job 32:6, Job 32:10, Job 32:17), but Elihu claimed it had come by inspiration from God (Job 32:8; cf. Job 33:6, Job 33:33).
Bible Cross References
Job 15:10 Job 32:2 Job 32:5

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 12:6 2 Chronicles 10:6 Job 8:8 Job 8:9 Job 12:12 Job 15:10 Job 32:9 Psalm 119:100

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Spirit - The spirit of God. Giveth - To whom he pleaseth.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 41:38 Job 12:13 Job 27:3 Job 33:4 Job 38:36 Proverbs 2:6 Ecclesiastes 2:26 Daniel 1:17

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Judgment - What is just and right.
Bible Cross References
Job 12:20 Job 32:7 Job 32:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:9 Job 32:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:10 Job 32:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Convinced - By solid and satisfactory answers.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:11 Job 32:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Left - God thus left you to your own weakness, lest you should ascribe the conquering or silencing of Job to your own wisdom. God - This is alleged by Elihu, in the person of Job's three friends; the sense is, the judgments which are upon Job, have not been brought upon him by man originally, but by the hand of God, for his gross, though secret sins: but, saith Elihu, this argument doth not satisfy me, and therefore bear with me if I seek for better.
Bible Cross References
Job 31:40 Job 32:12 Job 32:14 Jeremiah 9:23

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He reproves them.
Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and corrects both parties. He allowed that those who had the longest experience should speak first. But God gives wisdom as he pleases; this encouraged him to state his opinion. By attention to the word of God, and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, young men may become wiser than the aged; but this wisdom will render them swift to hear, slow to speak, and disposed to give others a patient hearing.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:13 Job 32:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:14 Job 32:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:15 Job 32:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:16 Job 32:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Bible Cross References
Job 4:2 Job 32:17 Job 32:19 Jeremiah 6:11 Jeremiah 20:9

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Bottles - Bottles of new wine.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 9:17 Job 32:18 Job 32:20 Jeremiah 6:11

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Bible Cross References
Job 32:19 Job 32:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 19:15 Job 13:8 Job 13:10 Job 32:20 Job 32:22 Job 34:19

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
He speaks without partiality.
If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the wrath Lord always before us, in his mercies and his terrors, we should not be moved from doing our duty in whatever we are called to do.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I know not - The more closely we eye the majesty of God as our maker, the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less danger shall we be in of a sinful fearing or flattering of men.
Bible Cross References
Job 4:17 Job 32:21 Job 33:1